Question

Explain condition for free and fair election

Answer 1

An election is considered 'free' when you can decide whether or not to vote and vote freely for the candidate or party of your choice without fear or intimidation. ... 'Fair' means that all registered political parties have an equal right to contest the elections, campaign for voter support and hold meetings and rallies.

Answer 2

An independent Electoral Commission

One of the conditions that can ensure a free and fair election is the existence of a free and independent Electoral Commission to oversee the conduct of the election. In other words all the stages of the electoral process must left entirely in the hands of the Electoral Commission without any interference from any quarter of the political divide.  • An independent judiciary

Another condition for a free and fair election is the existence of an independent judiciary. This necessary because in every electoral, a dispute may arise at any stage of the electoral process. There must therefore be an independent body that can adjudicate the dispute and come out with a ruling that can satisfy all parties involved.  • An independent Press

To ensure a free and fair election, there must in existence a free and independent press. This is to ensure that the press carry out their mandate as the fourth realm of the estate in an atmosphere devoid of intimidation and arm twisting either from governing party or from opposition parties.

freedom of speech and expression by electors, parties, candidates and the media;

• freedom of association; that is, freedom to form organizations such as political parties and NGOs;

• freedom of assembly, to hold political rallies and to campaign;